Introduction
Mainstream medicine otherwise is referred to as conventional medicine is a type of medicine that operates under strict scientific guidelines and tests. It has stipulated mechanisms that are a result of many years of research. Alternative medicine, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. It does not follow this criterion. All its effects are due to placebo effects. Conventional medicine has been preferred to alternative medicine due to its numerous advantages. Scientific tests done on conventional medicines help define the role of this medicine, which is to help boost the human immune system against illnesses. Conventional drugs are very effective in sensitive sectors such as surgery (Eisenberg and Woteki 82).
Comparison and Contrasting
However, alternative medicine has proven to be very effective as it has shown no side effects since immemorial time. Conventional medicine, on the other hand, is the number 3 killer in the United States of America. These medicines are more dangerous than guns. Alternative medicine is cost-effective and has proven to be the best kind of medicine in the long term for chronic diseases and illnesses. This includes such diseases as diabetes and cancers. Alternative methods come a long way into assisting the body to heal by itself instead of introducing strong conventional medicines that may have adverse side effects. They are after preventing the diseases rather than curing them.
Conventional medicines generalize symptoms. Conventional doctors treat all symptoms that may seem similar with the same protocol. Conventional medicine has no place for individual uniqueness. Conventional medicine treats the condition of the patient, and not the patients themselves. Since many factors may influence a person’s health, alternative medicine practitioners have been at the forefront of ensuring that the medicine is for the exact diagnosis. Generalizing symptoms are not a norm when prescribing alternative medicines, it is achieved through an efficient and error-free line of questioning (Ruggie 87). The cause will be determined for each individual and the process before the cure begins.
Alternative medicine focuses on a person who receives treatment as an individual since what may be best for John is not necessarily good for Mary. Alternative medicine upholds the notion that one is biochemically unique, and one’s life depends on that chemistry. Conventional medicine generalizes symptoms, and the same treatment is accorded to all patients, let us say, suffering from asthma. A critical review will make one realize that asthma has many causes, so generalizations made by conventional medicine doctors will not be effective. It could be due to an allergy or a viral infection. Alternative medicine doctors have a reputation for offering treatment for similar cases by checking the main reason for the condition of the patient.
Investigations done will make one realize that nowadays both means are used extensively across the world. It is imperative to realize that we do not treat body parts but the whole body. This is because all body parts work together harmoniously. Conventional medicine has been very effective in treating body parts. Doctors have heavily employed conventional medicine methods during surgeries and traumas. In my opinion, mainstream medicines need to focus on this. However, to perpetuate good health, alternative medicines are very effective, and they should take preference. This is because though diseases normally reveal themselves through a local symptom, they have a relation to the whole-body system.
For a disease to be completely eradicated, the whole body must be treated and not only the affected organs. A perfect example of this is cancer. Through conventional medicines, one may treat one body organ and luckily, it heals. However, another organ may be infected, and thus infection can go on even to the entire body. People should seek medicine that can treat the whole body and not just symptoms of the disease.
Alternative medicines have been more effective than mainstream medicines when it came to aiding the immune systems. Medical institutions are more concerned with teaching about mainstream medicines, thus the chance for more effective alternative medicine use becomes negative. Medical insurances have suffered from the politics of conventional medicine which led to the change of attitudes towards alternative medicines.
Conventional medicine revolves around the hypothesis governing ailments that a person is considered to be sick because of contracting a disease. Every illness needs individual treatment with little regard to the patient or the environment. Conventional medicine will be for treating the disease and not the person as a whole. These drugs will ensure that the cells will stop functioning for what they should not focus on. Conventional drugs will aim at treating a disease without putting into consideration the characteristics of the person who will be taking a drug.
Conclusion
According to Jacobs and Gundling, as per research conducted, the findings indicate that doctors who use the mainstream drugs can cause 9000 times more lethal outcomes than individuals who own guns (5). The main difference between alternative medicine and mainstream medicines is that mainstream medicines are very effective when it comes to suppressing symptoms. On the other hand, alternative medicines are very effective in curing diseases. They also have minimal side effects, unlike conventional medicine.
Works Cited
Eisenberg, David and Catherine Woteki. Exploring complementary and alternative medicine. Washington, D.C: National Academies Press, 2003. Print.
Jacobs, Bradly and Katherine Gundling. The ACP evidence-based guide to complementary & alternative medicine. Philadelphia: American College of Physicians, 2009. Print.
Ruggie, Mary. Marginal to mainstream: alternative medicine in America. Cambridge, UK New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 2004. Print.